Tehran calls for goodwill

a positive way,8221; said Iran8217;s ambassador to Britain Rasoul Movahedian.

US forces in Iraq have arrested a number of Iranians, including diplomats, in the past and are still holding five. Washington accuses Tehran of aiding militants fighting US forces in Iraq. Iran denies the charge.

Some media reports during the two-week standoff over Tehran8217;s seizure of the Britons, that ended on Thursday, said Iran wanted the five Iranians freed in return for releasing the 15.

Movahedian said the release of the Britons was not linked to any other case, but added: 8220;If the British want to8230;use their influence, we will welcome that.8221;

He said he would welcome recognition by the UN Security Council8217;s five permanent members8212;the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China8212;of what Iran says is its right to enrich uranium in its nuclear programme for peaceful purposes.